Fentanyl lozenges (Actiq) for breakthrough cancer pain
New product PBS listed April 2008
Fentanyl lozenges are an oromucosal formulation for breakthrough cancer pain in people stabilised on regular opioid therapy for their persistent cancer pain. Oral morphine is the opioid of first choice on the basis of familiarity, cost and dosing flexibility. Consider fentanyl lozenges if an increase in morphine dose to control breakthrough pain causes intolerable adverse effects. More...
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Paliperidone (Invega) for schizophrenia
New product PBS listed April 2008
Paliperidone is the major active metabolite of risperidone. There is no published evidence to suggest that paliperidone is more effective than risperidone or any other atypical antipsychotic. The prolonged-release formulation of paliperidone is another option for people with schizophrenia. More...
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Pioglitazone (Actos) for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Extended PBS listing February 2008
The PBS listing for pioglitazone has been extended to allow its use as part of triple oral therapy for type 2 diabetes. The updated review of pioglitazone includes information about the extended listing and safety information about heart failure, macular oedema and peripheral fractures. All health professionals should be familiar with the latest version of the Actos product information. More...
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Varenicline (Champix) for smoking cessation
New product PBS listed January 2008
Varenicline is a new non-nicotine drug that may assist smokers in quitting. It must be prescribed as part of a comprehensive smoking cessation program. The PBS will only subsidise one course of varenicline per patient per year. More...
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National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines. We provide accurate, balanced, evidence-based information and services to help people choose if, when and how to use medicines to improve their health and wellbeing. We are member-based and work in partnership with health professionals, government, pharmaceutical industry and consumers. NPS is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
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